Mario Batali

Timing has played a crucial role in restaurateur Sandeep Sekhri's success. The managing director of Dining Concepts has established 19 restaurants in 10 years, including Lupa and Carnevino with celebrity chef Mario Batali.

When Dining Concepts' managing director, Sandeep Sekhri, launches a new restaurant, it's almost a guarantee that there will be an impressive turnout. He outdid himself with the opening party for Lupa last Thursday.

More than 2,000 guests attended the opening of the restaurant - a partnership with US celebrity chef Mario Batali, who was also at the event.

While many firms are worried about anaemic business this year and are consolidating staff, the city's hotel and restaurant sector is booming, offering fresh opportunities and excellent career prospects.

Chefs can say the sweetest things. At his restaurant in Shanghai, Jean-Georges Vongerichten once took my hand, looked into my eyes and said: 'Do you want to order from the menu, or should I cook for you?'

A maitre d' conveyed a message from Thomas Keller (of French Laundry and Per Se fame), saying softly in my ear: 'Chef Keller would like to go off-menu for you.'

WHEN TOM Cruise landed in Hong Kong for the premier of Mission: Impossible II he arrived on a private jet that he piloted. From the airport, he was whisked by chopper to the rooftop of The Peninsula where a private elevator delivered him down to a press conference. Sound tempting?

For those with wanderlust, the bug bites the hardest now, in spring. There's nothing like a balmy breeze and the warm sun to make you want to get out and hit the open road. Alas, few of us can just up and leave our jobs, our pets - our televisions. For many, watching travel shows can be a form of self-torture.